Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Mount Keen from Glen Esk Walk

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    5.5-7.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    17.5 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    810 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead
    Mount Keen from Glen Esk Walk

    The Mount Keen (939 m) From Glen Esk Walk invites you to tackle the most easterly Munro with a thrilling ascent from Glen Esk. The 17.5 km walk unfolds on tracks and a well-worn hill path leading to the trig point at the summit, where you’ll uncover atypical views of sprawling moorlands instead of peaks. The route features some steep sections, a few river crossings, and a dose of history with a look at the Queen’s Well, where Queen Victoria stopped during one of her treks in the Angus glens by pony.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Mount Keen from Glen Esk Walk on Map

    View Map

    Join our newsletter

    Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

    Route Description for Mount Keen from Glen Esk Walk

    Mighty Mount Keen (939 m) is most well-known for being the most easterly Munro peak in Scotland. Setting it apart from other hillwalks in Cairngorms National Park is the unique moorland scenery from its summit, differing from the usual peak-filled panoramas in the park more commonly found throughout the park. The route unfolds on tracks and a hillpath, which during good weather is a pleasant walk. That being said, when weather conditions are bad, the peak is highly exposed and views limited, so try to plan your hike accordingly. If tackling this walk in the winter, ensure you’ve got an ice-axe and crampons as well as a good working knowledge of winter hillwalking.

    It’s always nice to change things up a little in life, and the same goes for walking! The Mount Keen from Glen Esk Walk offers a unique opportunity to take in some contrasting scenery to the usual peak-lined views from summits in the park. A vast expanse of sweeping moorland surrounds Mount Keen, and when the weather is good, views from atop the summit are seemingly endless across the horizon. This is a superb walk for those looking to tackle an impressive Munro and challenge themselves with a thrilling climb.

    To begin the Mount Keen Walk, follow the road from the car park that leads over a bridge, taking you past a church on your right. Follow signs for Mount Keen (also signs for Queen’s Well), and as you approach a house, veer left to pass through a gate and join a track. You’ll find yourself welcomed into an open glen and can spot the Invermark Castle through the trees to your left from here.

    Once you reach the metal gate, continue through it and venture up into the glen. Keep your eyes peeled for red deer, which are known to frequent the area. Continue the track as it moves closer to the river and maintain it until you reach Queen’s Well. Queen Victoria stopped at the site, now marked by a structure consisting of granite arches and a cross, to rest at the stream beneath it during one of her pony treks through the Angus Glens. After branching off on the path to get a closer look at the well, rejoin the track by turning left, then right, soon passing the cozy Invermark Cottage.

    Up next, you’ll cross the Easter Burn, followed by a crossing of the Ladder burn using an iron grid. Press on up the Ladder Glen, zig-zagging your way towards the moorlands up above. Revel in the views of Glen Esk as they open up at your back and continue on the track that leads north up the moors. When you reach a junction, make a right and continue on the well-worn path and set out to take on a few rocky sections that mark your final push to the summit. At 939 m, you’ll spot the trig point announcing your arrival at the summit, from where you can take in the vast wasteland of moorland that stretches as far as the eye can see.

    Retrace your steps for the descent, following the same route that led to the summit and return to the car park at Invermark, where the walk began.

    Trail Highlights

    Mount Keen

    Mount Keen is a cone-shaped peak that stands 939 m high in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park. The peak is located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and is part of the Grampian Mountain Range. Mount Keen is the most easterly of the Scottish Munros and has several routes to its summit.

    Queen’s Well

    The Queen’s Well is an impressive-looking, crown-shaped monument built in Queen Victoria’s honour in 1861. During a pony trek in the Angus Glens, Queen Victoria once stopped for refreshment from the stream beneath the now monument. Lord Dalhousie built the site to honour her stopping at the well and her meeting with him there.

    Invermark Castle

    The Invermark Castle dates to the 16th-century and is found east of Loch Lee in Angus, Scotland, near Glen Esk’s head. The castle once belonged to the Lindsays of Crawford and was built with the intent to control Highland marauders. In 1803, the castle was completely abandoned, and it remains closed to the public today.

    Other Great Walks in Cairngorms National Park

    Check out our trail guides to Ben Magdui, Loch Muick, Ben Vrackie, and the Loch an Eilein Walk. Or see all of our Cairngorms walks.

    Insider Hints for Mount Keen from Glen Esk Walk

    • The Mount Keen from Glen Esk Walk is the fastest available route to reach Mount Keen’s summit.
    • In bad weather, the hill is highly exposed, so plan accordingly.
    • If you don’t have your own transport, you can check out buses from Brechin, which are limited but do run.

    Getting to the Mount Keen from Glen Esk Walk Trailhead

    To get to the Glen Esk Walk from Dundee, take A929/ Dura St and A929 to Forfar Rd/Kingsway E/A972 and continue 2.6 km before following A90 to B966 in Angus Council. Take the exit for B966 from A90 and continue 42.5 km. Continue on B966 for 30.9 km until you reach the Invermark car park, where the walk begins.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      Year-round access

    • Backcountry Campsites

      Wild Camping

    • Pets allowed

      Yes

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Mount Keen from Glen Esk Walk Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    Mount Keen from Glen Esk Walk Reviews

    Add a comment

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Nearby Trails

    Nearby Regions

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter